WAGGA’S biggest tennis tournament, the Riverina Open, will celebrate its 120th year over the long weekend.
Perfect weather conditions are expected for the three-day event which starts at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre on Saturday.
Reigning men’s champion Glen Dawes will be back to defend his crown as is the top seed for the White level Australian Money Tournament event.
Dawes was only two months into a comeback when he claimed a tight final last year and is now ranked 84 in Australia.
Neither of the women’s finalist, winner Melissa Anderson or Kaitlin Staines are part of the women’s field.
After going down to the first-time visitor last year, Staines is currently playing an International Tennis Federation event in China.
Canberra’s Serina Kang will be top seed and after Sheree Moore withdrew Wagga’s Charlotte Littlejohn is expected to be fourth seed.
Tournament director Andrew Phillips is pleased with the numbers, especially with the men’s field.
“It’s not too bad,” Phillips said. “In the open men’s singles and doubles they are quite strong.
“Overall it is a little bit down on last year maybe because of the two football grand finals this weekend.”
After previously being rated a bronze event, Phillips is looking to regain that status in the near future.
Around 30 events will be run overall, ranging from juniors to veteran events.
